Women Leading in Tech: Sandra Oliver
As part of NC TECH’s Women Leading in Tech blog series leading up to the 2025 Summit for Women in Tech, we’re highlighting women across North Carolina who are shaping technology and paving the way for others. Meet Sandra Oliver, Deputy Chief Information Officer for Wake County.
An Unplanned but Purposeful Path into Tech
Sandra didn’t start out in technology. Her first role was as an executive administrative assistant at a private-sector company. She developed a great working relationship with the department’s 'IT guy', Hank—stepping in for him when needed and learning the ropes informally. One day, he walked into her office and said, “Sandra, I want to retire. Do you want to learn about technology and do what I do?”
From that moment, she began shadowing Hank, enrolled at Queens University in Charlotte to earn a degree in Computer Information Systems, and worked full time as a developer while studying part time. Each director she worked under supported her growth, encouraging her to excel. “I’m forever grateful to Hank for encouraging me to pursue this career,” she says.
Sandra heads teams of technology professionals focused on the strategic development and growth of technology services that support the people who live, work, and play in Wake County. She works closely with internal and external stakeholders to improve organizational effectiveness and solve complex challenges. Supporting the county’s CIO, Sandra advances strategic priorities across her portfolio, which spans applications and systems, data and analytics, and geographic information services.
Leading with Courage and Compassion
If asked to sum up her proudest professional achievement in one sentence, Sandra says it’s “being recognized for leading with courage, empathy, honesty, and compassion—and leaving every environment in better shape than I found it.”
When asked who she’d switch places with for a week, Sandra’s answer is unique: she’d choose a younger version of herself. Not to relive the past, but to revisit her mindset at that time, see what held her back, and show her younger self that every leap she took would be worth it—even when no one else in the room looked like her. “ Ultimately, understand that continuing to enter the door and make every step with absolutely no fear. That would be such an educational week for both of us!” she says.
Supporting Women in Tech
This year marks Sandra’s first involvement with the Summit for Women in Tech, where she serves as a host committee member. “It’s been great working with the women on the committee to design a beneficial experience for attendees,” she says. “I feel confident they’ll leave with ideas to implement positive change in their organizations and their personal lives, and most importantly, make new, long-lasting connections.”
Sandra believes the Summit is vital because it’s “for women in technology, tailored by women in technology.” She sees it as a way to plug the leaky pipeline, empower a new generation of women entering the field, and advocate for diversity and inclusion for those who come after.
Books, Projects, and Riding the Wind
One book that Sandra recommends is Playing Big by Tara Mohr, which she discovered during a leadership program. At a time when she doubted her voice and impact, the book helped her stop “playing small” and learn to embrace and elevate her voice differently so as to create impact and inspire positive change. “Although I’m still doing the work toward finding my calling, I continue to keep that little (and doubting) voice in my head, quiet," she says.
On her days off, Sandra enjoys fixing or designing home projects, curling up with a great plot-twist book, or teaching herself new skills, most recently, using Canva. Her favorite quote, from Toni Morrison, sums up her approach to life and career:
“If you surrender to the wind, you can ride it.”
For Sandra, the wind has meant saying yes to unexpected opportunities and leading with empathy and courage.
Thank you, Sandra, for being on the Host Committee for the Summit for Women in Tech! This event will be held on September 17-18 in a new location, Wilmington, NC!
Learn more about the event here.
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